After the liberation, a temporary headquarters was established in the Dragon.

In the photo, the Alberta Regiment with a Sherman tank and a jeep.

Interim mayor Lijnkamp (wearing a hat) watches as his wife and waiter Harry C. de Bruijn hang out the British flag of the liberators.

During the Second World War, Grand Hotel de Draak served as the command centre for West Brabant for the Germans. The previous owner (Mr. Oirbans) was heavily involved in the Dutch Resistance and smuggled Jews and other refugees into the lion's den; he lived with his family at Hotel de Draak. A secret compartment in the double ceiling was used to hide the refugees before they were sent to France or England. Literally in the lion's den, as the Germans were holding meetings directly beneath this secret room. Mr. Oirbans was awarded “the medal of resistance and commemorative medal” on 25 September 1954. A medal awarded after the war for his actions in the Dutch Resistance. (Source: Hotel de Draak website)

The photos were taken on 27 October 1944, photographer: J.H.M Weijts, collection WestBrabantsArchief.

The photos were taken on 16 July 2024 by Maarten van 't Hof. 

(Due to differences in and unfamiliarity with cameras, lenses, techniques, and the photographer's position's accessibility, an exact comparison between then and now is not possible. Furthermore, the "Draak" has been significantly altered.)

Location: Grote Markt